The Heritage of Australian Sheepskin

250 Years of Craftsmanship Behind Every UGG Australia® Boot

For over 250 years, Australian farmers have cultivated some of the world’s finest sheepskin—renowned for its dense fibres, durable pelts, and natural resilience.

Born from a land of sweeping plains and nutrient-rich pastures, Australian sheepskin has long been considered the global benchmark. At its peak, Australia has been home to flocks numbering close to 200 million sheep—producing a material that is not only abundant, but unmatched in softness, strength, and performance.

It is this unique natural resource that forms the foundation of the iconic Australian UGG boot.

Who invented Ugg Boots?

Over a century ago, Sid Cotton, the son of a Queensland farmer, recognised the remarkable qualities of Australian sheepskin. He introduced it to the world through garments and boots designed to keep early aviators warm in open-air cockpits.

With its thick, structured pelt, ability to trap warmth, and natural temperature regulation, sheepskin quickly earned a reputation for comfort, protection, and durability in even the harshest conditions.

What began as function soon became a global symbol of effortless comfort.

What is Twinface Sheepskin?

At UGG Australia®, we use premium Twinface sheepskin—a process that preserves both sides of the hide to create: A durable suede exterior and A plush, insulating fleece interior

Each pair of boots is meticulously hand-cut and stitched by skilled artisans. With over four decades of craftsmanship behind every pair, we don’t just make boots—we engineer longevity. We go the extra stitch to ensure every product stands the test of time.

Naturally Engineered for Comfort

Sheepskin is a natural performance material. Its unique structure allows it to:

• Regulate temperature in both warm and cold climates
• Wick away moisture while remaining breathable
• Maintain softness without compromising durability

Every pair carries the 1st Stitch Golden Tag —your assurance of 100% authentic Australian craftsmanship, made from genuine twinface sheepskin, tanned locally through ethical, sustainable, and fully traceable processes.

Our Story: Built on Craft Since 1981

In 1981, UGG Australia® was founded by Luda and Roman, who arrived in Australia with little more than determination, a dream, and a single furrier’s sewing machine.

From these humble beginnings, the brand has grown while remaining deeply committed to Australian-made production and heritage craftsmanship.

Preserving a National Industry

As global manufacturing shifted offshore and many Australian tanneries closed, we chose a different path.

We invested in the future of local production—establishing and operating our own tannery. Today, we are proud to remain:

Australia’s Last Sheepskin Tannery

Every UGG Australia® boot begins here, using premium 18mm Merino cross sheepskin sourced from leading Australian farms.

Proudly Australian Made, Owned & Crafted

For more than 40 years, we have handcrafted UGG boots in Melbourne—protecting the UGG Australia® trademark and preserving over a century of authentic Australian bootmaking tradition.

When you choose UGG Australia®, you support:

• Australian farmers
• Local craftspeople
• Ethical manufacturing
• High environmental standards
• Fair wages
• EPA-compliant, innovative tanning

Every pair is fully traceable—from farm to finished boot—delivering unmatched warmth, durability, and comfort.

This is the true Australian-made standard.

Shop Australian Made UGGs

International Customers

If you are shopping from outside Australia, please visit our global store Sheepskins Downunder®

Due to international trademark restrictions, products featuring the term “UGG” cannot be shipped outside Australia.